# Daisetsuzan National Park

> Japan's largest national park spanning over 2,200 square kilometers of dramatic volcanic peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine wilderness in the heart of Hokkaido.

- Prefecture: Hokkaido
- Type: Park
- Address: Hokkaido, Japan
- Admission: Free
- Official site: https://www.japan.travel/national-parks/parks/daisetsuzan/

Daisetsuzan National Park, often called the Roof of Hokkaido, is Japan's largest national park at over 2,267 square kilometers, roughly the size of Kanagawa Prefecture. The park encompasses the Daisetsuzan volcanic group including Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak at 2,291 meters, along with dramatic gorges such as Sounkyo with its towering columnar cliffs. In summer, the alpine meadows burst with wildflowers and the area offers Japan's earliest autumn foliage, typically beginning in September. Extensive hiking trails connect hot spring villages, mountain huts, and volcanic landscapes, while the Asahidake Ropeway provides easy access to the highland terrain. The park's remote interior remains one of Japan's last true wilderness areas, home to brown bears, pikas, and rare alpine flora.

## FAQ

### How do I get to Daisetsuzan National Park?

Gateways include Asahidake Onsen (reached by bus from Asahikawa) and Sounkyo Onsen; ropeways carry visitors up toward the peaks.

### What is Daisetsuzan known for?

It is Japan's largest national park, a vast volcanic wilderness including Hokkaido's highest peak, Asahidake. It is famous for having Japan's earliest autumn colours, from mid-September.

### When is the best time to visit Daisetsuzan?

Summer for alpine wildflowers and hiking, and mid-September to early October for the country's first autumn foliage; higher trails close under snow in the long winter.

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Source: Daisetsuzan National Park — Japan Voyage